South Central Kentucky Advanced Manufacturing Alliance

South Central Kentucky Advanced Manufacturing Alliance

What is SCK AMA?

The South Central Kentucky Advanced Manufacturing Alliance (SCK AMA) is a coalition of leading manufacturers, educators, and community leaders dedicated to building a skilled workforce and strengthening the region's manufacturing sector. Representing a critical pillar of the regional economy, manufacturing employs over 26,489 people, accounting for 19% of the total workforce. However, the industry faces a critical need for 9,300 additional workers over the next 10 years to sustain its growth and continue driving South Central Kentucky’s economic vitality. SCK AMA works to address these challenges by uniting stakeholders to create a thriving manufacturing ecosystem powered by a skilled, diverse, and engaged workforce.

Subcommittees

Awareness	Career Pathways	Upskilling
To build a strong manufacturing pipeline, efforts must dispel myths, highlight career pathways, expand work-based learning, engage manufacturers, promote clubs and events, boost marketing, and grow apprenticeship programs, targeting youth and beyond.	Career Pathways link education to high-demand jobs but are disjointed in South Central Kentucky. SCK AMA can align programs with workforce needs by advocating for relevant offerings, creating pathways, supporting diversity, promoting dual credit, and ensuring credit transfers.	South Central Kentucky needs aligned training programs to meet workforce demands. The Alliance will promote entry-level, operator, and advanced skills training, advocate for recognized credentials, and focus resources on career progression in critical occupations.

FAQ

1. Why was SCK AMA created?

It was established in response to the growing workforce challenges highlighted by the Chamber’s Urgent Call to Action. SCK AMA aims to secure the region’s manufacturing future through proactive, collective efforts.

2. Who can join SCK AMA?

Membership is open to manufacturers, educators, workforce organizations, and other stakeholders committed to strengthening the manufacturing industry in South Central Kentucky.

3 How does SCK AMA benefit local manufacturers?

It provides a unified voice for manufacturers, access to workforce solutions, and opportunities to influence training and education programs tailored to industry needs.

4. How can manufacturers get involved in SCK AMA?

Manufacturers can contact Garrett Ashley, Economic Development Coordinator, at (270) 791-8967 or garrett.ashley@bgchamber.com for more information and to get involved.

Key Documents

Allied for Action: A New Vision for Manufacturing in South Central Kentucky